JP2019502481A - Vial adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

The exemplary vial adapter 100 includes a movable member 110, an elongate member 108 having a first passage 116, a second passage 118 coupled to an inflatable first tank 136, and an inflatable second. A third passage 120 coupled to the other tank 146. In a first orientation of the exemplary vial adapter, fluid can be directed through the first passage into the first tank or the second tank. In a second orientation of the exemplary vial adapter, fluid can be drawn through the first passage and fluid can be drawn through the air passage 140 into the second passage. In the second orientation of the exemplary vial adapter, fluid can be directed into the second tank through the first passage and through the third passage. In the first orientation of the exemplary vial adapter, the movable member can be actuated to direct fluid from the second tank through the third passage.

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to medical connectors used in fluid transfer applications. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vial adapter for transferring fluid in a medical setting without exposing the fluid to an ambient atmosphere.

  Medical connectors are widely used to transmit, formulate and deliver medical fluids. Medical fluid preparation may include delivery, dilution, reconditioning, and recovery of the medical fluid or components thereof by a container such as a vial.

  In some cases, such as with chemotherapy treatment, medical fluids are dangerous. In particular, repeated exposure to medical fluids, such as by medical personnel, is dangerous. An example of medical fluid transfer is drug readjustment. Reconditioning is often done in sealed vials containing medical fluids or constituents thereof in any material state. This process requires delivery of the diluent into the vial. However, delivery of the diluent into the sealed vial causes displacement of the gas in the vial. If the gas becomes able to enter the ambient atmosphere, people in the ambient atmosphere may be exposed to the gas. In some cases, the medical fluid itself can be transferred into the ambient atmosphere during reconditioning.

  During the transfer of medical fluid between the container and the vial, a vial adapter is used to capture fluid displaced from the vial. During the transfer procedure, such as readjustment, the sequence of steps requires changing the orientation of the vial one or more times (eg, upright and inverted). Capturing and returning displaced fluid during reconditioning requires an additional change in vial orientation, thereby increasing the number of steps required in the sequence.

  Aspects of the present disclosure provide a vial adapter for coupling to a vial, the vial adapter being configured to extend into a vial upon coupling of the medical adapter interface and the vial adapter to the vial. A member, an inflatable first tank, an inflatable second tank, a first passage between the medical connector interface and the elongated member, and a second between the chamber and the elongated member. A passage, a first tank coupled to the chamber through a first one-way valve that allows flow from the chamber into the first tank, and a second that allows flow from the air passage into the chamber. An air passage coupled to the chamber through the one-way valve, and a third passage between the second tank and the elongate member.

  In some cases, the second passage comprises a valve. In some cases, the valve is orientation dependent. In some cases, a filter between the chamber and the valve is provided. In some embodiments, the filter is hydrophobic. In some implementations, the second tank is elastic. Some embodiments provide a movable member configured to direct fluid from the second tank.

  In some cases of the present disclosure, a housing is provided. In some cases, a housing vent configured to couple an inner portion of the housing to the surrounding environment is provided. In some embodiments, the air passage is fluidly coupled to an inner portion of the housing that includes the housing vent.

  Certain implementations of the present disclosure provide a method for communicating fluid through a vial adapter, the method using a vial adapter having an inflatable first tank and an inflatable second tank. Coupling the medical connector to the vial; and when the vial adapter is in a first orientation where the vial adapter is in fluid communication with the gas in the vial, directing fluid from the medical connector to the vial and from the vial Allowing the displaced gas to enter the first tank and allowing the liquid displaced from the vial to enter the second tank; and the vial adapter, wherein the vial adapter is a liquid in the vial. When in a second orientation opposite the first orientation in fluid communication with the fluid, the liquid is drawn from the vial into the medical connector and Allowing the liquid to be drawn from the ambient environment through the vial adapter air passage into the vial and when the vial adapter is in the second orientation, the liquid is directed from the medical connector into the vial; Allowing the liquid displaced from to enter the second tank.

  Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for directing fluid from the second tank into the vial when the vial adapter is in the first orientation. In some embodiments, directing fluid from the second tank into the vial includes compressing the second tank. Some cases of the present disclosure provide for preventing fluid flow between the first tank and the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation. In some cases, when the vial adapter is in the second orientation, a step of preventing fluid flow from the vial to the air passage is provided. Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide for filtering gas drawn through an air passage. In some cases, a step is provided that allows fluid to be drawn from the second tank into the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation.

  Aspects of the present disclosure provide a vial adapter for coupling to a vial, the vial adapter being inflatable with a first tank when the vial adapter is in a first orientation, and with a fluid first A first one-way valve that allows entry into the tank and an expansion that allows fluid to enter the first tank when the vial adapter is in a second orientation opposite the first orientation. A second possible tank, wherein the vial adapter is configured to direct fluid away from the second tank when the vial adapter is in the first orientation and the second orientation. With.

  Additional features and advantages of the subject technology are described in the following description, are partly apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

  It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide a further description of the subject technology as claimed.

  The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the subject technology, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this description, illustrate aspects of the subject technology, and, together with the description, illustrate principles of the subject technology. Work to explain.

FIG. 6 is a perspective side view of a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. It is a bottom view of the vial adapter shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view illustrating a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a detailed plan view of the vial adapter shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a detailed plan view illustrating a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method of using a vial adapter according to aspects of the present disclosure.

  In the following detailed description, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the subject technology.

  Phrases such as “an aspect” do not imply that such aspects are integral to the subject technology or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. An aspect-related disclosure may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. Aspects can provide one or more examples of the disclosure. A phrase such as “an aspect” may represent one or more aspects and vice versa. Phrases such as “an embodiment” do not imply that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure relating to the embodiments may be applied to all embodiments or to one or more embodiments. Embodiments can provide one or more examples of the present disclosure. Such a phrase “an embodi- ment” may represent one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as “a configuration” do not imply that such a configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Configuration related disclosures may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. The configuration may provide one or more instances of the present disclosure. A phrase such as “a configuration” may represent one or more configurations and vice versa.

  1-8 illustrate an example of a vial adapter configured to capture, retain, and return medical fluid displaced from a container, eg, a sealed vial. The vial adapter may couple to the vial and medical connector and allow fluid to be transferred, captured, or directed from the vial adapter. Specifically, fluid can be captured or directed through one or more tanks or passages of the vial adapter.

  As used herein, the term “vial” refers to any container capable of holding a fluid therein. As used herein, the term “fluid” refers to any liquid, gas, or combination thereof.

  1-2 illustrate an embodiment of a vial adapter 100. FIG. In some embodiments, the vial adapter 100 includes an upper housing 102 and a lower housing 104. In some embodiments, the lower housing 104 is mounted on the edge of the upper housing 102. In yet another embodiment, an intermediate plate 122 (FIG. 3) is installed on the edge of the upper housing 102 between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104. The upper housing 102 includes a medical connector interface 106 and the lower housing 100 includes an elongated member 108. In some embodiments, the vial adapter 100 includes a movable member 110. A portion of the movable member 110 protrudes from the housing, allowing the user to touch and operate the movable member 110. In the embodiment, a part of the movable member 110 protrudes through the opposite side walls of the lower housing 104. In some cases, the elongate member 108 and the retainer 112 may protrude from the lower housing 104.

  Referring to the bottom view of the vial adapter 100 of FIG. 2, an embodiment of the elongate member 108 includes a first passage 116 extending axially through the elongate member 108, a second passage 118, and a third passage 120. And further including. In an embodiment, the illustrated retainer 112 includes a plurality of arcuate protrusions that surround the elongate member 108. In an embodiment, the vial adapter 100 is configured to couple to the vial 902 (FIG. 3) so that fluid passes through the first passage 116, the second passage 118, and the third passage 120. It can flow between the adapter 100 and the vial. In the illustrated example, a vial 902 can be coupled to the lower housing 104 and a medical connector 950 (FIG. 3) can be coupled to the upper housing 102.

  When coupled to the vial 902, the elongate member 108 extends into the inner portion 903 of the vial 902. During coupling, the connector portion 904 of the vial 902 is inserted between the retainers 112 so that the elongate member 108 extends through the opening, port, or septum of the vial 902 and the first passage 116, first Two passages 118 and a third passage 120 are fluidly coupled to the inner portion of the vial 902. In some embodiments, the retainer 112 may have a cross-sectional length equal to the cross-sectional length of the outer surface of the vial or to provide a frictional or interference fit coupling between the vial adapter 100 and the vial 902. It has an inner surface that is slightly shorter than the cross sectional length of the outer surface. In other examples, the retainer 112 can include a thread or latch configured to mate with the vial 902. One or more passages extend through the housing to allow gas exchange between the inner portion of the housing and the ambient atmosphere outside the vial adapter 100. For example, in some aspects, one or more housing vents 114 extend through the upper housing 102 to allow gas flow between the ambient atmosphere and the lower housing 104. For example, in some aspects, one or more housing vents 115 extend through the upper housing 102 to allow gas flow between the ambient atmosphere and the upper housing 102.

  With reference to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a medical connector interface 106 protrudes from the upper housing 102 and is configured to couple to the medical connector 950. For example, the medical connector interface 106 can be coupled to a syringe or needleless access device 950. In some embodiments, the medical connector interface 106 includes a port 124 and a cavity between the port 124 and the cavity inlet 125. In an embodiment, the cavity inlet 125 extends radially inward from the interior surface of the cavity to separate the first passage 116 from the cavity, thereby creating a hole or lumen that fluidly connects the cavity to the first passage 116. Form. A resilient valve member 126 extends within the cavity from the cavity inlet 125 toward the port 124. The cavity has a wider inner cross-sectional length than the port 124. The elastic valve member 126 includes a head 130 and a bellows portion 128 having an internal passage. Port 124 and the cavity are fluidly coupled to cavity inlet 125 through the internal passages of head 130 and bellows portion 128. In the extended orientation (FIGS. 1 and 4), the bellows portion 128 is extended such that the head 130 extends into the port 124, closes the internal passage of the head 130, and blocks the port 124. In some embodiments, the internal passage of the head 130 is opened during coupling of the medical connector 950 with the medical connector interface 106. In the retracted configuration (FIG. 3), the bellows portion 128 and the head 130 are biased into the cavity toward the cavity inlet 125 to open the internal passages of the head 130 and the port 124. For example, an axial force is applied to the head 130 to compress the resilient valve member 126 axially, thereby urging the head 130 into the cavity portion. Within the cavity, the head 130 expands radially to fluidly couple the port 124, the internal passage through the head 130 and the bellows portion 128, and the hole in the cavity inlet 125.

  The first passage 116 preferably extends through the elongate member 108 and the lower housing 104 to fluidly couple to the cavity inlet 125 of the medical connector interface 106. In an embodiment, the second passage 118 is configured to couple to the first tank 136 and the air passage 140. In some embodiments, the second passage 118 extends through the elongate member 108 and the lower housing 104 and into the chamber 132. In some embodiments, the second passage 118 includes a valve 134 between the chamber 132 and the elongate member 108. In some aspects, the chamber 132 is coupled between the valve 134 and the midplate 122.

  In an embodiment, valve 134 includes a first port 148 between elongate member 108 and valve 134 and a second port 149 between chamber 132 and valve 134. In some aspects, the valve 134 includes a movable portion configured to shield the second port 149. In the embodiment, the valve 134 is a ball check valve whose movable part is a spherical ball. The first port 148 allows fluid flow from the valve 134 through the first port 148 to the second passage 118 when the ball check valve is engaged with the first port 148. Includes features. In some aspects, the first port includes one or more protrusions that extend toward the second port 149 (FIG. 6). The one or more protrusions are spaced apart or include openings so that fluid flow is not obstructed when the ball check valve is engaged with the first port 148. Thus, when the vial adapter 100 is in the first orientation shown in FIG. 3, the spherical ball engages the pedestal of the first port 148 and allows fluid flow from the chamber 132 to the elongate member 108. Become. As will be discussed later, when the vial adapter 100 is in the second orientation shown in FIG. 5, the spherical ball is in the pedestal of the second port, thereby allowing fluid flow from the elongate member 108 to the chamber 132. Shielded.

  The vial adapter 100 includes one or more fluid tanks. In some cases, the fluid tank is rigid, or the fluid tank comprises a flexible material that responds to or expands when the tank receives fluid. The tank can include pleats, bellows, corrugations, or other features that allow the tank to expand. In an embodiment, the fluid tank comprises an elastic material that expands when the tank receives a fluid and contracts back to a neutral state when the fluid is withdrawn or directed from the fluid tank. The vial adapter 100 may also include one or more one-way valves that restrict fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the one-way valve is a duckbill, umbrella, or similar type of valve.

  In some embodiments, the first tank 136 is fluidly coupled to the second passage 118 through the chamber 132. In an embodiment, the first tank 136 is in a housing and, in some aspects, is coupled to an intermediate plate 122 on the surface facing the inner portion of the upper housing 102. Accordingly, the first tank 136 can expand into the upper housing 102 upon receiving the fluid from the chamber 132. In some embodiments, the first tank 136 is annular and extends around the medical connector interface 106 in the upper housing 102. A first one-way valve 138 allows fluid flow into the first tank 136. In some embodiments, the first one-way valve 138 is coupled between the chamber 132 and the first tank 136. In an embodiment, the first one-way valve 138 includes a chamber 132 and a middle plate 122 such that fluid flows from the chamber 132 through the first one-way valve 138 and the middle plate 122 into the first tank 136. Combined between. In some cases where the first tank 136 is not elastic, the first tank 136 is fluidly coupled to the chamber 132 or the second passage 118 without a valve.

  Chamber 132 preferably also includes an air passage 140. In some embodiments, the air passage 140 extends through the sidewall of the chamber 132 and includes a second one-way valve 142. The second one-way valve 142 is configured to allow fluid to enter the chamber 132 through the air passage 140. In an embodiment, fluid can flow into the chamber 132 from the inner portion of the housing. In some aspects, the fluid is a gas from the ambient atmosphere that can enter the lower housing 104 through the housing vent 114. In some aspects, gas can enter the lower housing 104 through the window 111.

  In some examples, the vial adapter 100 can include a filter 144 configured to filter gas entering the vial from the ambient atmosphere through the vial adapter 100. In some aspects, the filter 144 is configured to separate particulates from the gas entering the second passage 118. In the exemplary embodiment, filter 144 is coupled to air passage 140 of chamber 132. In some embodiments, the filter 144 is between the first tank 136 and air passage 140 and the valve 134. In some embodiments, the filter 144 is in the chamber 132 between the first one-way valve 138 and the second one-way valve 140 and the valve 134. In the example, the filter 144 is in the chamber 132 between the second one-way valve 142 and the valve 134 (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the filter 144 is a hydrophobic type filter.

  The third passage 120 is configured to couple to the second tank 146. In some embodiments, the third passage 120 extends through the elongate member 108 and the lower housing 104 and is fluidly coupled to the second tank 146. In some embodiments, the second tank 146 is in a housing and in some aspects is coupled to the inner surface of the lower housing 104. Therefore, the second tank 146 can expand toward the upper housing 102 as soon as the fluid is received from the third passage 120. In some embodiments, the second tank 146 is annular and extends around the first passage 116 in the lower housing 104.

  When the second tank 146 is expanded or compressed, gas is displaced from the lower housing 104 or drawn into the lower housing 104. The vent 114 allows a gas flow between the ambient atmosphere and the lower housing 104. In some embodiments, the middle plate 122 is spaced from the upper housing 102 to allow gas flow between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104, thereby allowing gas flow through the vent 114. Is possible. In some embodiments, a gas flow between the ambient atmosphere and the lower housing 104 through the window 111 is possible.

  The vial adapter 100 includes a movable member 110 configured to direct fluid from the second tank 146 in some embodiments. In an embodiment, the movable member 110 is retained within the vial adapter 100 and is configured to compress the second tank 146. For example, the annular movable member 110 is coupled to the lower housing 104 having the second tank 146 between the movable member 110 and the inner surface of the lower housing 104. Some aspects of the movable member 110 include fingers or tabs that protrude outside the housing. In some embodiments, the fingers or tabs extend through the window 111 (FIG. 1) of the lower housing 104. At some point, the movable member 110 is actuated by urging the tab to move the movable member 110, thereby compressing the second tank 146. In other examples, the movable member 110 can include a ratchet mechanism, spring, or threaded portion to pivot or move the movable member 100 in a rotational and / or axial direction. In some embodiments, the movable member 110 is activated as soon as the medical connector 950 is decoupled from the vial adapter 100.

  The following description is directed to an embodiment of the vial adapter 100 for medical fluid reconditioning, collection, and return. However, the present disclosure can be performed using some or all of the aforementioned processes, including but not limited to medical fluid collection, dilution, reconditioning, delivery, or transfer. For example, the vial adapter 100 can be used to collect a portion of the medical fluid and then return it.

  Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in some embodiments, fluid is directed from the medical connector interface 106 to the elongate member 108 when the vial adapter 100 is positioned in the first orientation. In an embodiment, sealed vial 902 (FIG. 3) is coupled to elongate member 108 and medical connector 950 (FIG. 3) is coupled to medical connector interface 106. In the first orientation, the elongate member 108 is in fluid communication with the gas content of the vial. The resilient valve member 126 is biased by the medical connector, as shown in FIG. 3, and a diluent or other liquid is directed from the medical connector into the medical connector interface 106 as shown by arrow A. . Diluent is transferred from the elongate member 108 to the vial through the first passage 116 as shown by arrow B. In some embodiments, the diluent is passed from the first passage 116 to the inner portion of the vial. And the pressure in the vial increases. The increased pressure in the vial causes the fluid content of the vial in communication with the elongate member 108 to be directed into the second passage 118 and the third passage 120 as indicated by arrows C and D, respectively. In some aspects, when the vial adapter 100 is in the first orientation, the fluid directed to the second passage 118 and the third passage 120 is a gas.

  In an embodiment, the spherical ball of valve 134 engages first port 148 in a first orientation. In the first orientation, fluid directed through the valve 134 toward the elongate member 108 can pass through the first port 148. In some aspects, fluid directed from the elongate member 108 toward the valve 134 displaces the spherical ball from the first port 148, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the valve 134. In some embodiments, fluid enters the chamber 132 through the valve 134.

  In the first orientation, fluid displaced from the vial can enter the chamber 132 through the second passage 118 and the valve 134. In some embodiments, the fluid is a gas when the vial adapter 100 is in the first orientation. Within the chamber 132, gas can pass through the first one-way valve 138 and into the first tank 136 to expand the first tank 136. When the first tank 136 is expanded or compressed, the gas is displaced from the upper housing 102 or drawn into the upper housing 102. The vent 115 allows a gas flow between the ambient atmosphere and the upper housing 102. In some embodiments, the middle plate 122 is spaced from the upper housing 102 to allow gas flow between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104, thereby venting the vent 114 or window 111. Allows gas flow through. A second one-way valve 142 coupled to the air passage 140 does not allow a fluid containing gas to enter the ambient atmosphere. The fluid displaced from the vial can also enter the second tank 146 through the third passage 120 and expansion of the second tank 146 occurs. In some cases, the movable member 110 can be actuated to direct fluid from the second tank 146 into the vial.

  With reference to FIGS. 5-6, in some embodiments, the vial adapter 100 is positioned in a second orientation to direct fluid from the elongate member 108 to the medical connector interface 106. In an embodiment, sealed vial 902 (FIG. 3) is coupled to elongate member 108 and medical connector 950 (FIG. 3) is coupled to medical connector interface 106. In some embodiments, the vial adapter 100 is placed in the second orientation after the diluent is directed into the vial in the first orientation to recondition the drug. For example, in some embodiments where reconditioning has not occurred, the vial adapter 100 is placed in a second orientation to retrieve fluid from the vial. In the second orientation, the elongate member 108 is in fluid communication with the liquid content of the vial. The resilient valve member 126 is biased by the medical connector and liquid is collected from the vial through the first passage 116 and into the medical connector interface 106 as indicated by arrow E. The fluid is transmitted through the medical connector interface 106 into the medical connector. When fluid is withdrawn from the vial, a vacuum or negative pressure is created in the vial. Due to the negative pressure, fluid is drawn into the vial from the second passage 118 and the third passage 120 as indicated by arrows F and G, respectively.

  In an embodiment, the spherical ball of valve 134 engages second port 149 when vial adapter 100 is in the second orientation. In the second orientation, fluid directed through the valve 134 toward the elongate member 108 displaces the spherical ball from the second port 149, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the valve 134 ( Arrow H).

  In the second orientation, fluid from within the housing (ie, gas from the ambient atmosphere) is drawn into the vial through the air passage 140, the second one-way valve 142, and the second passage 118. In some embodiments, the gas passes through the filter 144 before entering the vial. In some aspects, the filter 144 is secured within the chamber 132 between the second one-way valve 142 and the valve 134. The first one-way valve 138 does not allow fluid to enter the second passage 118 from the first tank 136. In some aspects, fluid from within the second tank 146 is also drawn into the vial through the third passage 120.

  Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, fluid is directed from the medical connector interface 106 to the elongate member 108 when the vial adapter 100 is in the second orientation. In embodiments where the vial and medical connector are coupled to the vial adapter 100, fluid is directed from the medical connector to the vial. In some embodiments, fluid collected from the vial into the medical connector (ie, FIGS. 5-6) while the vial adapter 100 is in the second orientation is returned to the vial (FIG. 7). ), The vial adapter 100 is in the second orientation. When the resilient valve member 126 is biased by the medical connector, fluid is directed from the medical connector into the medical connector interface 106 as indicated by arrow A. The fluid is transmitted through the first passage 116 into the vial. As fluid enters the vial from the first passage 116, the pressure in the vial increases. Due to the increased pressure in the vial, the fluid content of the vial in communication with the elongate member 108 is directed to the third passage 120 as shown by arrow I. The fluid is directed through the third passage 120 and enters the second tank 146 to expand the second tank 146. While in the second orientation, the movable member 110 can be actuated to direct fluid from the second tank 146 into the vial.

  In an embodiment, the spherical ball of valve 134 engages and seals second port 149 in the second orientation. Any fluid directed to the valve 134 through the elongate member 108 urges the spherical ball to the second port 149, thereby preventing the fluid passage from the second passage 118 through the valve 134.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, fluid is directed from the second tank 146 to the elongate member 108 when the vial adapter 100 is in the first orientation. In embodiments where the vial 902 (FIG. 3) is coupled to the vial adapter 100, fluid is directed from the second tank 146 to the vial. In some cases, the fluid in the second tank 146 has been previously directed from the vial to the second tank 146 when the vial adapter 100 was in the second orientation. To direct or return fluid from the second tank 146 to the vial, the vial adapter 100 is positioned in a first orientation so that the elongate member 108 is in fluid communication with the gaseous content of the vial. The movable member 110 is actuated, for example, by urging the tab toward the vial, causing the movable member 110 to engage the second tank 146 (arrow J). In some embodiments, the second tank 146 is compressed between the movable member 110 and the surface of the lower housing 104. When the second tank 146 is compressed, the fluid therein is directed from the elongated member 108 through the third passage 120 into the vial (arrow K).

  In some embodiments, the fluid entering the vial is replaced with another fluid from within the vial. The displaced fluid can enter the chamber 132 through the second passage 118 and the valve 134. In some embodiments, when the vial adapter 100 is in the first orientation, the displaced fluid is a gas. Within the chamber 132, gas can pass through the first one-way valve 138 and into the first tank 136 to expand the first tank 136. The second one-way valve 142 coupled to the air passage 140 does not allow fluid containing gas to enter the ambient atmosphere.

  FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an example method associated with communicating fluid through a vial adapter. It should be understood that the operations in method 200 can be used in conjunction with other methods and aspects of the present disclosure. Although aspects of method 200 are described in connection with the examples provided in FIGS. 1-8, process 200 is not so limited.

  At block 201, fluid is directed from the medical connector into the vial when the vial adapter is in the first orientation. For example, referring to FIG. 3, a diluent or other liquid is directed from the medical connector into the medical connector interface 106 (arrow A). The fluid is transmitted into the vial through the first passage 116 (arrow B).

  At block 202, fluid displaced from the vial can enter the first tank of the vial adapter. At block 203, fluid displaced from the vial can enter the second tank of the vial adapter. For example, referring to FIG. 4, fluid can pass through the first one-way valve 138 and into the first tank 136, and the fluid can pass through the third passage 120 and the second tank. 146, whereby each tank 136 and 146 expands, respectively.

  At block 204, fluid is drawn from the vial into the medical connector when the vial adapter is in the second orientation. For example, referring to FIG. 5, liquid is collected from the vial through the first passage 116 to the medical connector interface 106 (arrow E).

  At block 205, gas is drawn from the ambient environment through the vial adapter air passage into the vial. For example, referring to FIG. 6, gas is drawn from the ambient atmosphere through the vent 114 and into the housing. The gas is then drawn from within the housing through the air passage 140, the second one-way valve 142, the filter 144, and the second passage 118 into the vial.

  At block 206, fluid is directed from the medical connector into the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation. For example, referring to FIG. 7, liquid is directed from the medical connector interface 106 through the elongate member 108 into the vial (arrow A).

  At block 207, fluid displaced from the vial can enter the second tank of the vial adapter. For example, referring to FIG. 7, liquid is directed through the third passage 120 and into the second tank 146 to expand the second tank 146 (arrow I).

  At block 208, fluid is directed from the second tank into the vial when the vial adapter is in the first orientation. For example, referring to FIG. 8, the movable member 110 is displaced so as to compress the second tank 146 between the movable member 110 and the surface of the lower housing 104 (arrow J). Thereby, the liquid from within the second tank 146 is displaced from the elongated member 108 into the vial through the third passage 120 (arrow K).

  The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various configurations described herein. Although the subject technology has been described in detail with reference to various figures and configurations, it is to be understood that these are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject technology.

  There can be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Various functions and elements described herein may be partitioned differently than those illustrated without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Various modifications to these configurations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other configurations. Accordingly, many changes and modifications can be made to the subject technology by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the subject technology.

  As used herein, the terms “and” or “or” separate at least one of the items, at least one of “at” preceding the series of items (at The phrase "least one of)" qualifies the list as a whole, not each element of the list (ie, each item). The phrase “at least one of” does not require the selection of at least one of each listed item. Rather, the phrase includes at least one of any one of the items and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each of the items. Is possible. Illustratively, “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, The term “B, or C)” means at least one of each of A, B, and C, and / or any combination of A, B, and C, respectively. Represents one.

  Further, insofar as terms such as “include” or “have” are used in the description or claims, such terms may be “comprise” in the claims. It is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” when interpreted as a transition term. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

  Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”, unless expressly stated otherwise, but rather “one or one”. It is intended to mean “one or more”. The term “some” refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents of the various components described throughout the present disclosure, known to those skilled in the art or later known, are expressly incorporated herein by reference. And is intended to be covered by the subject technology. Additionally, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be published regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly cited in the foregoing description.

  Although certain aspects and embodiments of the subject technology have been described, these are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject technology. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein can be embodied in various other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to encompass such forms or modifications as fall within the scope and spirit of the subject technology.

Claims (18)

A vial adapter for coupling to a vial,
A medical connector interface;
An elongate member configured to extend into the vial upon coupling the vial adapter to the vial;
A first inflatable tank;
An inflatable second tank;
A first passage between the medical connector interface and the elongate member;
A second passage between a chamber and the elongate member, wherein the first tank enters the chamber through a first one-way valve that allows flow from the chamber into the first tank. A second passage that is coupled to the chamber through a second one-way valve that allows the air passage to flow from the air passage into the chamber;
A vial adapter comprising a third passage between the second tank and the elongate member.   The vial adapter of claim 1, wherein the second passage comprises a valve.   The vial adapter of claim 2, wherein the valve is orientation dependent.   The vial adapter of claim 2, further comprising a filter between the chamber and the valve.   The vial adapter of claim 4, wherein the filter is hydrophobic.   The vial adapter of claim 1, wherein the second tank is elastic.   The vial adapter of claim 1, further comprising a movable member configured to direct fluid from the second tank.   The vial adapter of claim 1, further comprising a housing.   The vial adapter of claim 8, further comprising a housing vent configured to couple an inner portion of the housing to an ambient environment.   The vial adapter of claim 8, wherein the air passage is fluidly coupled to the inner portion of the housing comprising the housing vent. A method for communicating fluid through a vial adapter comprising:
Coupling a medical connector to a vial using a vial adapter having an inflatable first tank and an inflatable second tank;
When the vial adapter is in a first orientation where the vial adapter is in fluid communication with the gas in the vial, fluid is directed from the medical connector into the vial and the gas displaced from the vial is Allowing entry into the first tank and allowing liquid displaced from the vial to enter the second tank;
When the vial adapter is in a second orientation opposite the first orientation, wherein the vial adapter is in fluid communication with the liquid in the vial, liquid is passed from the vial into the medical connector. Allowing gas to be drawn from the ambient environment through the vial adapter air passage into the vial;
Directing liquid from the medical connector into the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation, allowing liquid displaced from the vial to enter the second tank; Including.   The method of claim 11, further comprising directing the fluid from the second tank into the vial when the vial adapter is in the first orientation.   The method of claim 12, wherein directing the fluid from the second tank into the vial comprises compressing the second tank.   The method of claim 11, further comprising preventing fluid flow between the first tank and the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation.   The method of claim 11, further comprising preventing fluid flow from the vial to the air passage when the vial adapter is in the second orientation.   The method of claim 11, further comprising filtering gas drawn through the air passage.   The method of claim 11, further comprising allowing fluid to be drawn from the second tank into the vial when the vial adapter is in the second orientation. A vial adapter for coupling to a vial,
An inflatable first tank, and a first one-way valve that allows fluid to enter the first tank when the vial adapter is in a first orientation;
A vial adapter comprising: an inflatable second tank that allows fluid to enter the first tank when the vial adapter is in a second orientation opposite the first orientation; Because
A vial adapter configured to direct the fluid from the second tank when the vial adapter is in the first orientation and the second orientation.